I have always followed Dolce Belezza’s Japanese Literature Reading Challenge project with interest. I liked reading all about the writers and stuff, but never felt motivated enough to join.
Why? I guess because Japanese literature has always seemed too out there for me…a little too esoteric, a little too dry and unemotional. Also, I read Sputnik Sweetheart by Haruki Murakami and just found myself unable to appreciate that book. I didn’t care about the bizarre love triangle, the missing girl, nada. It was a disappointing book for me and I never read any Japanese authors (except for Ishiguro who I love) since.
Until just recently, I picked up Haruki Murakami’s Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World. So far, I am loving this book and re-thinking my stance on Japanese books. See a teaser of this book here.
Also Meredith’s reading challenge doesn’t seem so taxing. A Japanese book a month for 9 months? That’s doable, right? And since, this year, I am almost done with my Indian Fiction reading challenge well ahead of time, it could be time to try out Japanese. What say you?
Are you doing this challenge? Do you have any Japanese reading recommendations for me?
I joined the challenge only on December last year and I understand it’s only until January 21 (I think) so I posted a few reviews there already. Although I like Haruki Murakami, one of the books I didn’t really love was “Sputnik Sweetheart”. But I’m really glad you gave one of his books another chance 😉
I second The Devotion Of Suspect X and I’d also recommend Banana Yoshimoto’s books, especially Kitchen. Good luck and enjoy the challenge, Nish! 🙂
@Cayce: Thank you very much. I am on the hunt now for Devotion…I hope I get it 🙂
I have just read and loved The Devotion Of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino. A really clever mystery novel that’s a bit out of the ordinary, I would definitely recommend it.
@Marie: You know that’s an awesome recommendation. Thanks a ton. I love mysteries/thrillers. And one set in Japan should be really interesting. Thanks for the recco 🙂
Don’t feel you must read one book a month; just one for the whole challenge. I didn’t want to make it too hard. 🙂
I’ve always shied away from Japanese authors though I love reading books set in Japan, one of my favourites is James Clavell’s ‘Shogun’. I’m looking forward to reading your reviews and getting to know more Japanese authors 🙂
I won’t be doing the challenge but I might pick up the ones you like best! 🙂 One a month does sound doable, good luck!